AIBA to communicate only with Sports Ministry now

After suspending the Indian Boxing Federation's new office-bearers, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has now shunned the IABF old guard as well, insisting on corresponding only with the Sports Ministry.

After suspending the Indian Boxing Federation's new office-bearers, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has now shunned the IABF old guard as well, insisting on corresponding only with the Sports Ministry.

In a letter sent to the IABF old guard, the AIBA has stated that it does not wish to coordinate with the suspended body's officials, whether old or new.

"Since we do not recognise IABF anymore, the AIBA has made it clear that henceforth it would not communicate with any office-bearer, whether old or new. It will only communicate with the Indian Sports Ministry," a source told PTI, quoting from the latest missive from AIBA.

Suspended due to the International Olympic Committee's ban on the Indian Olympic Association and for "possible manipulation" in its September polls, the IABF has also been told to hold re-elections and amend its constitution to make it compliant with the AIBA statute.

The international body had recently relented to the extent of allowing Indian youth boxers to compete in a tournament in Azerbaijan but had barred officials from accompanying the team.

Already, the International Olympic Committee has urged all international federations to examine the situation in India and take necessary "action or measures" to "save the autonomy" of the federations in the country.

Calling the situation in India "complicated", the IOC had told international bodies, including AIBA, to examine "whether the national federation is in a position to exercise its activities in accordance with its own statutes, the IF regulations and the basic principles which govern the Olympic Movement."